The ripple effects of Kyle Tucker’s trade to the Cubs | Chicago Cubs News

The Cubs have landed the superstar bat they have coveted all season.

So, how does Kyle Tucker fit into the Cubs lineup and where do they go from here?

Let’s dive first into Tucker’s fit, first.

The 27-year-old will likely slide into the top or middle of Craig Counsell’s lineup. Last season, in Houston, Tucker made 30 starts in the 2-spot, 29 at the 3rd spot and 15 in the cleanup hole. He made 2 starts as a leadoff hitter, too.

[READ: A glimpse at the Cubs lineup with Kyle Tucker in the mix]

Expect Counsell to slot Tucker at either second or third in the Cubs’ lineup in 2025.

Defensively, Tucker figures to man right field — he won the AL Gold Glove Award in right in 2022.

But that creates questions throughout the roster.

With Seiya Suzuki and Cody Bellinger in the fold — and Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong — the Cubs have 5 outfielders for 3 positions, plus the DH spot. Despite talks of a Golden At-Bat rule, there’s not a 10th fielder or second designated hitter coming, so the surplus likely leads to another move.

The Cubs will probably try to trade one of the two to create both roster and financial flexibility. Suzuki carries a full no-trade clause, making him a bit harder to move. Bellinger carries a unique contract — he has two years and $52.5 million remaining on his deal, including $27.5 million in 2025. He also has an opt-out after the 2025 season that comes with a $5 million buyout. Teams could be wary to pay a steep price for Bellinger because they won’t know if they’re getting a rental player or a player on a two-year deal at a hefty price.

If they move either Suzuki or Bellinger, the Cubs will likely use the DH spot to get the other regular at-bats.

[MORE: As trade rumors swirl around Cubs, where does Cody Bellinger fit in?]

So, what happens at third base with Isaac Paredes going to Houston?

Well, it seemingly clears the way for Matt Shaw to man the hot corner for the Cubs in 2025. At last month’s GM Meetings, Jed Hoyer was clear that if Nico Hoerner’s offseason surgery caused him to miss significant time, the Cubs had options in Shaw and James Triantos to man second base long-term. Well, Shaw might be in line to have an everyday role at third base.

The 2023 1st-round pick has hit at every level and put himself firmly in the mix for major-league at-bats. Shaw finished the season at Triple-A, where he hit .298/.395/.534 (.929 OPS) with 7 home runs, 21 RBI and a 142 weighted runs created plus, 42 percentage points above league average. Across 159 minor league games (693 plate appearances), Shaw has hit .303/.384/.522 (.906 OPS) with 29 home runs and 99 RBI.

Michael Busch also has experience at third base but the Cubs view him as their long-term answer at first base.